Get Your Loved One Sober

Alternatives to nagging, pleading and threating

Authors: Robert J. Meyers. Ph.D., Brenda L. Wolfe, Ph.D.
Topic: Addictions, behaviorism, support
My rating: 4*


The program- read here an excerpt from the book


CRAFT method (Community Reinforcement and Family Training)- relies on non confrontational methods to encourage loved ones to enter addiction treatment, and can help family members improve the quality of their lives. It is is more effective than other types of interventions and its effectiveness has been proven through scientific study. Comparative success rates: CRAFT- 64%, Johnston Institute approach- 30%, Al-Anon- 10%...more
Behavioral mapping- central procedure, a way of figuring out how you and your drinker/addicted affect each other and how that pattern may be modified to achieve different results

Interesting:

1. This breakthrough new system is sweeping the recovery field. This is its first introduction to the general public.
2. Contains simple exercises readers can practice at their own pace, with no costly or heart-breaking interventions.
3. Proven successful for numerous addictions, not just alcoholism;

From the book:
'A fact of human nature is that we do not waste much energy on behaviours that have no payoff. If someone does the same thing over and over, you can bet there is something rewarding about the situation. What actually may be happening is that you are reinforcing him [...]'

'Don't fight your drinker (or addicted). Fight the problem.'

'Change is almost never easy; but change for the better is always worth the effort.'

Keys to behavior change: rewards (reinforcement), punishment and the big chill (extinction, or ignore unwanted behavior). Punishment is not nearly as effective for achieving long-lasting behavior change as is reward. Use all these tools to make NOT drinking/ taking drugs equal to or more attractive than the drinking.

Communication- use statements that are:
Positive, begin with I, show Understanding and demonstrate a willingness to Share responsibility for the situation (PIUS statements)